PPG (Pittsburg, Pennsylvania), IPG Photonics (Marlborough, Massachusetts), and Whirlpool Corp. (Benton Harbor, Michigan) have formed a three-way collaboration to accelerate commercial adoption of laser curing systems for powder coatings. The effort is focused on identifying opportunities to reduce curing costs and environmental impact while increasing finishing line throughput across industrial applications.

Unlike conventional thermal ovens, laser curing uses infrared light to initiate crosslinking—the chemical reaction that converts powder particles into a durable finish. The process is compatible with both standard powder chemistries and formulations optimized specifically for laser curing, and completes the cure in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, with significantly lower energy requirements than conventional IR systems.

PPG has installed a pilot finishing line featuring IPG's PhotoniCURE laser curing system at its powder manufacturing and technical facility in Strongsville, Ohio, along with a laboratory unit at the PPG Coatings Innovation Center near Pittsburgh. Pilot trials are underway with Whirlpool, evaluating powder formulations across a range of appliance components.

“These trials will be critical in helping to determine how to best maximize this technology to reduce our environmental impact, enhance productivity and reduce our energy costs,” said Scot Blommel, Whirlpool Corp. global sustainability senior manager.

PPG Chief Technology Officer David Bem described the effort as a demonstration of the company's partnership-driven approach. “This collaboration positions us at the leading edge of powder finishing and reinforces our commitment to outside-the-can capabilities that bring value beyond our coatings,” he said.

IPG's Mira Sahney, global laser systems senior vice president, added that the companies anticipate demand for PhotoniCURE systems to grow as the joint value proposition is proven in volume manufacturing, aided by intensifying trends toward sustainable manufacturing.

Photo courtesy of PPG.